Hussain Hassan, a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council, was arrested by police for taking photos during a counter-narcotics operation.
Police claimed that Hussain forced his way into the scene, ignored their warnings, and tried to take pictures of evidence. They said this interfered with their work, so he was arrested for disobeying police orders and obstructing justice.
But witnesses told a different story. They said the area was open to the public and not blocked off by crime scene tape. They also said Hussain was beaten and forcibly put into a police vehicle after taking the photos.
This is not the first time citizens have faced such treatment. Earlier in 2024, during President Muizzu’s unofficial visit to Singapore, a Maldivian’s phone was seized, and a case was filed against him for taking pictures of the President while shopping.
The MDP condemns the violent arrest of National Council member @HucenHassan and demands his immediate release. Intimidation and prosecution of political actors is unacceptable and must be ceased immediately. pic.twitter.com/VXspTqDr0m
— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) September 10, 2025
The MDP called for Hussain’s immediate release, saying the arrest was unfair and an attack on free speech. In a post on X, the party criticized the use of excessive force and warned authorities to stop targeting political figures. Hussain, a former journalist, represents the Villingili constituency in the MDP National Council.
